How do you recover from a hard massage?

Author: Mr. Dawson Lind  |  Last update: Saturday, June 21, 2025

In addition to getting plenty of rest, it is also important to make time for relaxation. This can include activities such as reading, taking a bath, or spending time in nature. Taking some time for yourself will help your body to recover from the massage and reduce stress levels.

What happens if you massage too hard?

When you apply too much pressure or massage a muscle for an extended period, it can lead to increased soreness, bruising, and potential damage to the muscle tissue. It's important to listen to your body during a massage and communicate with your therapist about any discomfort or pain you may be experiencing.

What happens to your body after a hard massage?

So, what happens to the body after deep tissue massage? Most clients report feeling mild soreness akin to DOMS after deep tissue massage. This usually lasts a few days after which time clients report benefits such as pain relief, improved range of motion, better sleep, and lower blood pressure.

How long does it take your body to recover from a deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage can leave the body feeling sore for a few days after the massage. It is important to drink plenty of water and rest to help the body recover. Soft tissue massage does not typically cause soreness, and recovery time is minimal.

How long does inflammation last after deep tissue massage?

A deep tissue massage can help to reduce muscle tension, increase blood flow and oxygenation to the muscles, reduce pain and stiffness, promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being. It may also cause some soreness or discomfort, but it typically disappears within a day or two.

Why do I get sore after a massage?

How do you know if you got a bad massage?

Experiencing sharp pain or excessive discomfort during or after the session is a clear indication that the massage wasn't beneficial. While some discomfort can be normal, especially with deep tissue massage, it should never cross the line into sharp pain.

How to recover from an intense massage?

In addition to getting plenty of rest, it is also important to make time for relaxation. This can include activities such as reading, taking a bath, or spending time in nature. Taking some time for yourself will help your body to recover from the massage and reduce stress levels.

Can a massage therapist feel knots?

Yes, massage therapists are trained to identify muscle tension through touch and experience. They use their knowledge of anatomy to pinpoint problem areas effectively. The frequency depends on your activity level and tension severity.

What are the side effects of deep tissue massage?

Muscle aches and fatigue is common after a deep tissue massage. The movement of muscle fibres causes stimulation that can often result in pain. If your pain lasts more than a few days, then consult your physician. Headaches and migraines after a Deep Tissue Massage are not uncommon.

Is a really hard massage good for you?

Deep tissue massage can be an effective treatment method for various conditions, including sports injuries and back pain. Therapeutic massage may also relieve stress and help with health conditions such as fibromyalgia and high blood pressure.

What chemical is released after a massage?

Endorphins. While technically not a toxin, the release of endorphins during a massage is a significant benefit. These "feel-good" hormones naturally boost mood and relieve pain.

Why am I so tired after a deep tissue massage?

Feeling fatigue after a massage is a common and normal reaction. Massages influence blood flow, blood pressure, and heart rate, resulting in feelings of tiredness.

What happens to your body after an intense massage?

An increase in circulation in your muscles will mean better mobility and range of motion a decrease in pain, stress and tension and also promote a good night's sleep.

Can a massage go too deep?

The short answer is yes. Depending on how tight your muscles are and how much pain you can handle, the amount of pressure a massage needs varies not only by person but also by session. It's important to know how much pressure is required because it can make all the difference between a good and a bad massage!

What are the symptoms of detoxing after a massage?

Hydrating and resting can help alleviate these symptoms. After a massage, mild detox symptoms can occur as the body eliminates toxins. Common symptoms include fatigue, muscle soreness, and headaches due to the release of lactic acid and other waste products.

What does it mean when a massage therapist says you're tight?

4 Talking about tightness suggests an uncanny ability to feel your pain. The therapist is saying, in effect, “I can tell that you are feeling stiff, because I can feel your tight muscles.” This is a good way to impress anyone with a body.

What does it feel like when a knot releases?

This myofascial release has a comparable sensation to being rocked by your mother when you were a baby. It causes a pleasant wave sensation to travel throughout the body. It is, in fact, a relaxing experience. That wave infiltrates the restricted areas to allow for softening.

Where should a massage therapist not touch?

Never touch the client's genitals or anus. Clients can only provide explicit consent to have their genital area and gluteal cleft exposed for the purpose of Massage Therapy during childbirth.

What is a healing crisis after massage?

As the body detoxifies, it is not uncommon to experience flu-like symptoms including dizziness and light-headedness, an odd or metallic taste in the mouth, headache, joint and muscle pain, body aches, sore throat, general malaise, nausea, increased sweating, urination or defecation, chills, skin eruptions, itches or ...

How long does it take muscles to recover from a massage?

At a minimum, you should rest for at least 24 hours after your massage to ensure your muscles have plenty of time to repair themselves.

Why do I cry after a deep tissue massage?

Massage induces biochemical and energetic shifts by alleviating physical tension. This release can stir emotions and lead to tears, signaling a healthy, natural process of stress relief and emotional balance.

What are red flags in massage therapy?

Poor Communication and Boundary Setting. A professional massage therapist should communicate clearly about the massage process and respect your boundaries. Be wary of therapists who are vague or pushy about undressing. As Mikki noted, “If they're trying to brush past anything or be very quick, that's a red flag.

Can massaging too hard cause damage?

In rare cases, deep tissue massage can lead to nerve damage. This usually happens when too much pressure is applied near a nerve or when a nerve is compressed for an extended period. If you experience numbness, tingling, or sharp pain during your massage, speak up right away.

How do you recover from a bad massage?

What Strategies You Can Do to Recover After a Massage?
  1. Make sure you drink a lot of water.
  2. Relax in a hot shower or bath.
  3. Ensure that you stretch.
  4. Take supplements or vitamins that contain omega-rich foods.
  5. Get plenty of sleep.

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